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Applause Communications Inc.: The 83rd annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair presents Country Life in all its Glory as Once a Year Country Comes to the City

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Aug. 12, 2005) - The opening of the world's largest combined indoor agricultural, horticulture, canine and equestrian event is happening November 4th to 13th, 2005 at the National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. The 83rd annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair offers urban dwellers an opportunity to experience firsthand what modern country life is all about, and a place for thousands of professionals in the global agricultural community to network, compete, do business, and catch up on the industry's latest advances.

This ultimate showcase of all things country gets a few new additions this year including:

- NEW! Canada hasn't seen a nation-wide rodeo competition like this for 40 years! On November 6th up to fifty of the country's best rodeo competitors will saddle up for the Royal's first ever "East" versus "West" rodeo challenge. Bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding and ladies' barrel racing events round out the show - with participants vying for over $20,000 in prize money.

- A NEW stage will be added to this year's To Your Good Health exhibit, featuring a line-up of professionals who will speak to the subjects of nutrition, health and healthy living. Introduced last year, this popular exhibit will be a must-see for visitors who want to learn how to make healthy food choices a part of their lives.

- Another NEW feature will be the Kubota Cup National Finals, the exciting climax to a show jumping competition spanning seven Canadian cities. Top riders from western Canada will face off against top riders from eastern Canada, up to 20 in total, giving spectators the thrilling opportunity to see the best in equestrian talent from right across the country.

- NEW! Audiences will enjoy performances by the One-Arm Bandit, named Rodeo Act of the Year for 10 consecutive years. His specialty show will revolve around mustangs and run throughout the opening weekend of the Royal.

- NEW! It's the Eukanuba SuperDogs! Spectators will enjoy watching these high-energy canines stars hurdle high barriers, navigate obstacles and perform countless other antics in this incredible show. The dogs will perform three times daily in the Celebration of the Dog Ring and as part of the Royal Horse Show.

Returning to the Royal will be some fan favourites including a chance to get up close and personal with live farm animals at the Pizza Pizza Petting Farm and the opportunity to learn about the mix of tradition and technology present on the farm today through interactive presentations at the Royal Education Ring and various other Education Centres.

While cheering for their favourite SuperDog in the Celebration of the Dog Ring guests can enjoy a delicious snack. The endless variety of Canadian produced foods, served up with all the country fixings, is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. Guests will have the opportunity to see some of the city's top chefs in action on the Celebrity Chef Cooking School Stage in the Royal Vineyard and sample some of Ontario's finest wines in the expanded tasting area.

Highlights of the Royal include:

- The Royal Horse Show - staged in the Ricoh Coliseum opens with an outstanding Opening Weekend! Highlights include: the Canadian Show Jumping Championships, the Kubota Cup National Finals, the One Arm Bandit, the Eukanuba Super Dogs, the RCMP Musical Ride and The Rodeo!

- RETURNING! The popular RCMP Musical Ride

- RETURNING! The unforgettable performance of Les Chevaux d'Alexis including bareback vaulting and liberty dressage to music

- The Royal Horse Show will also feature an elite field of International Show Jumpers, the FEI World Cup Canadian League Final for Dressage, and Carriage Racing Derby